Moroccan wins New York mini marathon, sets world record

Morocco's athlete Asmae Leghzaoui, on Saturday won the New York Road Runner's Club Mini Marathon, setting a new world record of 30:29.

Asmae Leghzaoui, who ran into difficulty obtaining her visa to compete in the marathon, had no problem once she stepped on the course in Central Park.

The 25-year old Leghzaoui did not arrive in New York until Thursday. She set a world record in her debut in the 9.7 km race that had a field of 4,752 runners.

The Moroccan, shattered the old mark of 30:39 that has been held since October 1989 by Liz McColgan, of Scotland.

"My visa was not approved until last Monday," said Leghzaoui, "and, I wasn't able to get a flight until Thursday."

"I did not train on the course at all, but I went for my usual morning and evening runs, Asmae said.

"All I did as far as preparation was concerned, is ask a lot of questions about Deena because I knew she was the favorite. Now, I'm no longer an unknown. This is a big step in my career, especially, after doing it in New York," she said.

Leghzaoui collects a US$ 10,000 prize for her victory, plus another $5,000 for breaking the course record.

Leghzaoui, 25, is African champion of the 5,000 meter-race and champion of the Mediterranean 10,000 m-race.

Last year, she made the world's 4th best performance in the 10 km-race in Marseille, France.